Kandiyohi County Disaster Risk
Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
Kandiyohi's moderate risk sits above state
At 51.37, Kandiyohi County's composite risk score earns a Relatively Low rating and exceeds Minnesota's average of 42.38. The county faces more balanced exposure across multiple hazard types than the typical Minnesota community.
Above-average risk for Minnesota
Kandiyohi ranks higher than roughly 60% of Minnesota counties, with a composite score 21% above the state average. The county's elevated tornado risk (58.40) and moderate flood exposure (52.16) drive this standing.
Riskiest county in its immediate region
Kandiyohi's score of 51.37 exceeds neighboring Lac qui Parle County (18.80) and Le Sueur County (22.81) by a significant margin. It faces notably higher tornado and wildfire risks than both neighbors.
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat
Tornado risk reaches 58.40 in Kandiyohi—substantially higher than the state average and the county's most pressing hazard. Flood risk (52.16) and wildfire risk (49.97) are nearly equal secondary concerns.
Prioritize tornado and flood protection
A safe room or reinforced basement shelter can save lives during tornadoes; verify your home has adequate protection. Flood insurance is strongly recommended, particularly if you live in a mapped flood zone or low-lying area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kandiyohi County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kandiyohi County
Risk Verdict
At the 51th percentile nationally, Kandiyohi County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Kandiyohi County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Kandiyohi County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (50th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Kandiyohi County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 58th percentile nationally. In Kandiyohi County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 52th percentile nationally means Kandiyohi County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Kandiyohi County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Kandiyohi County households.
Regional Context
Kandiyohi County falls 9.0 points above Minnesota's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Kandiyohi County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kandiyohi County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Kandiyohi County?
How does Kandiyohi County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Kandiyohi County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kandiyohi County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.